Shackerstone By Morn, Statfold By Eve...

This morning I was over at Shackerstone from around 8am to help with gala prep as well as working on 3803. The engine is fast approaching her deadline of tomorrow morning and work is pretty much complete. Having completed a couple of small jobs on the 38', we boarded the Class 04 shunter and proceeded to Market Bosworth to gather wagons for the weekends freight train. Once collected, the wagons had to be oiled which involves syringing the water out first. Wagon boxes are quite susceptible to water as they aren't very well protected. With the water removed, the boxes can be filled with oil until they overflow; they are then fit for the weekend running. Having oiled the wagons, time was getting on for around 1pm and it was time to head off to the next destination: Statfold...

Upon my arrival at Statfold at around 1:30pm, the sun was shining and the air was warm. Engines were sat eagerly on the shed frontage as volunteers busied themselves with their prep. Our engine for tomorrow's Open Day: "Isibutu": had been lit up in readiness. Being a big engine, she needs a good warming fire to get her going, even as far as bringing her into steam. Whilst "Isi" warmed through, I was busy cleaning. The 4-4-0 was still dirty from her last outing and so I set to with the polish and the Peek. I cleaned everything I could find and the engine began to shine up lovely. I left at around 5pm with the engine sitting pretty at around 70psi, lovely & clean outside the shed. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow! All the best, Sam...

Thursday Afternoon at Shackerstone...

Hi everyone. Today I left work early to head over to Shackerstone to help with the on going work on 3803. The engine is now coming to the end of its makeover and is looking a real treat. I was at the railway from Midday until just after 5pm, when it was time for home. Tomorrow, its Shackerstone again! All the best, Sam...

"The White Rose" Pays Tribute to King Richard III...

Hi there all. Welcome to the first 'loco day' report of the new season. Today I was rostered aboard visiting GWR 5101 Class 2-6-2 Large Prairie No4141 at Shackerstone. The 1946-built Prairie is visiting from the Epping Ongar Railway down south. I was actually booked to fire today as, with two Drivers booked, the elder of the two Drivers is the booked one. No problems here though - I was up for the challenge of 60 miles firing 4141. I arrived at Shackerstone at 6am and duly unlocked the gates before continuing along the drive. Dragging my countless items of equipment behind me, I read the notices and signed on for duty before completing my journey to the engine shed. Inside I found the bulk of 3803, with 4141 sat in front. First things first: kettle on! Having changed, I clambered up onto the footplate to check the state of affairs. The grate was fairly clean, 20psi remained on the clock from yesterdays exertions and we had well over 1/2 a glass of water in the boiler: spot on. Driver Adrian soon arrived and we enjoyed a quick cuppa' before beginning our duties. Adrian began the lengthy procedure of oiling up, whilst I cleaned the grate, checked the firebox & boiler and then lit the fire...

I'm sure everyone knows about the latest updates with King Richard III but for those who don't, today was the King's tour of the area. The respectful cortege would visit related sites such as Dadlington, Stoke Golding, Bosworth Battlefield, Market Bosworth and others, before returning to Leicester. The King's remains will be formerly buried there on Thursday. As our railway runs directly into Bosworth Battlefield, we just had to be a part of it. A more intensive timetable was in action, with six departures from Shackerstone at 75-minute intervals: some going with a tank engine! The first train was at 10am and by 7:30am, 4141 was sitting pretty at the head of the shed waiting to pull outside...

The 41' was soon shunted outside by Class 02 shunter "Diane" and brought to rest on No11 road. The engine was soon ashed out ready for the day and fully oiled. It was then time for a clean of both the loco and us, not to mention the unavoidable photographs!...

Richard III, who's White Rose emblem represented the House of York, died at Fen Lane Farm on August 22nd 1485, bringing to an end the Plantagenet dynasty. Richard was killed by the forces of Henry Tudor, who then became King Henry VII, marking the dawn of the hugely important Tudor dynasty. As a tribute to Richard today, when 4141 left shed she was decorated with a White Rose wreath and a special headboard. We as the crew also wore white rose button-holes...

"4141 Decorated for the Occasion" (M.Heseltine)

Due to decorating 4141, the first train left around 15 minutes down. This made the first trip rather eventful in quite a stressful manner as the 41' was proving difficult. The problem was more me than anything, the fire wasn't really up to the rushing we had to do to try to make up time. The second trip saw me fairing much better, with a stronger back end built up and the 2-6-2 steaming well. The trains were well loaded and we had sold around 200 tickets in advance for the popular one-off service that would take place at the Battlefield following the arrival of Richard's cortege. We were literally a historic park & ride! For the third trip, Adrian opted to fire and I had a drive. Its always nice to drive something different from time to time! The 41' handles rather differently to an engine like 3803: the regulator is more free, the wheels slip easier due to their 5ft 8" size, the braking is different (though she is vac throughout like the 38') and the visibility is totally different. With these factors in mind, I took her steadily down to Bosworth on the 12:30 trip. With me having got used to the engine, I could take the next section at line speed, as well as the trip back. Its the braking we all need to get used to on a 'new engine'.

I was back on the shovel again for the 1:45pm trip. We had been asked to keep noise to a minimum at Shenton this trip due to the special service taking place atop Ambion Hill. The trip again proved problematic for the 41's steaming: not in a serious way, just not as good as I would expect for the size of fire she had. At Shenton, whilst Adrian hooked off, I decided to get the iron out. Sure enough the fire was clinkered from front to back and needed some considerable force to free it. With the back end cleaned, a fresh fire was rebuilt and pressure regained. The trouble is with a tight timetable, chances to clean the fire are minimal, as is the time to allow the heat to rebuild with the new, fresh coal! I think our biggest problem, as well as rushing, was that we were shovelling off the bottom of the bunker, so most of the coal was poor quality with a lot of slack. Having watered again for the 3pm trip (41's only carry 1900 gallons in the tanks), we departed on time. This was the trip we had been waiting for all day. We managed to get to Shenton Bank in time to secure the train and sit patiently waiting for the cortege to pass on its way to Market Bosworth. 4141 stood silent, performing a respectful vigil. Sure enough, right on time, the cortege passed as people lined the road. We watched in silence as the last Plantagenet King left the fields of Bosworth for the very last time, over 500 years since he was last here...

It was so lovely to have 4141 sat there with the train as the King's cortege passed. We have always been the Battlefield Line, and this was a mark of respect from us to the King...

The cortege drove steadily up Shenton Lane towards Market Bosworth and, once it was out of sight, 4141 let out a long, mournful whistle before continuing the last few hundred yards into Shenton. Quite a crowd awaited us!...

The returning 6-coach 3pm train was well loaded and 4141 performed well on minimal coal. Once back at Shackerstone we took some coal before departing about 10 minutes late on the final train: the 4:15pm: with me driving. At Shenton we moved the wreath to the smokebox for the final run home. The headboard had rode on either end all day but the wreath had remained on the back as we were bunker first as the cortege passed. A crew photo with 4141 was inevitable...

The last run back saw 4141 in good voice, using up the last of the coal we'd added just for the last trip. We returned to Shackerstone and quite a number of people detrained. Adrian had joked that the 4:15 would be ECS but how wrong he was: it was fairly full! The loco then became the subject of many photographs, mainly due to her decoration. The 41' was later taken to the shed for disposal after a long, tiring but successful day. It was a great pleasure to be involved in such a historic occasion, particularly as we are the railway that runs to the site of the famous battle. I must thank Adrian for his company aboard 4141 and for a good day. Next Sunday I am back on 4141, but this time as booked driver. Best Regards, Sam...

Evesham Call In...

Hello again all. On the way back from the GWSR, we were passing by Evesham Country Park and decided to call in to see the EVLR. 1970-built Severn Lamb 0-6-0 "Dougal" was on service, hauling three of the panel coaches. Whilst chatting to the railways owner Adrian, we realised that "Dougal"s next departure was imminent. Adrian invited us to board the train so we did so, before enjoying a tranquil chuff through the orchards...

John was certainly enjoying his ride on the EVLR and there was much merriment on board the coaches...

After attacking the far bank in fine style and descending through the tunnel, "Dougal" came to rest at Evesham Vale station. Here, EVLR trains break their journey for a couple of minutes, allowing passengers to survey the views and chat to the driver. It is also a good time to grab a shot or two of the locomotive...

The driver today was also a Leighton Buzzard driver and we had a good natter, chewing the fat about railway preservation. He kindly invited me to ride back up to Twyford Station on the footplate of "Dougal"...

On arrival back at Twyford we detrained whilst "Dougal" ran round ready for her next departure. This engine has been totally transformed by the fitting of a larger boiler and brand new tender during its time at Evesham...

Severn Lamb 0-6-0 "Dougal" of 1970

This railway is always a pleasant one to visit. A well turned out steam loco is at the head of almost every train and the staff are always friendly and chatty. If you haven't given the EVLR a try yet, then why not do so this year? As well as the railway, Evesham Country Park offers some scenic walks, a good garden centre and some dear shops! Having enjoyed our ride and a good natter, it was back in the BMW for a brisk run home, calling at McDonalds on route! Cheers all - a grand Saturday out!...

A Saturday Out: Gloucester & Warwicks...

Hi all. Today was a Saturday excursion out into the Cotswolds. Destination?: The Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway. We have visited this wonderful Great Western steam railway a number of times now but, with the prospect of the sheds being open today due to a volunteer recruitment weekend, we thought we'd take a trip out. I picked up John & 'Eddie the Late' from Coventry at about 10am and after an easy run along the A46, we made Toddington by about 11am. First stop?: Tea. The Flag & Whistle on the station car park was a hive of activity and we enjoyed a cuppa' and a bacon bap. Next stop: the Steam Shed. As most of the GWSR fleet is currently out on hire as its still low season, the only engine in the shed was GWR 2-8-0 No2807. A green Heavy Freight 2-8-0? A real home from home! This earlier 28xx example of 1905 is 34 years older than 3803 and includes some subtle differences such as compensated springing and a slightly different cab. Other than that, its essentially the same thing. A pretty machine this one...

Moving around the corner from the steam shed we headed into the diesel shed. An equally impressive building this was: the GWSR have some really nice sheds! The diesel presence at Toddington is striking and it was quite refreshing to see even the diesel locomotives in such good condition. The fleet really is cared for here, as seen by this very nice example of a Class 37...

Sitting outside and only a few panels away from the shining bulk of 2807, we found another 28'. This example is No2874 and is quite literally three shades of buggered. Withdrawn in 1963 and sent to Barry, it was rescued in 1987. It is still a prime example of a Barry Wreck, having never been restored. Happily, work has just commenced on 2874 so she will be steaming one day in the future. Interestingly, 2874 is one of the few remaining Western engines that features inside steam pipes. 2807 has the typical outside variant, as does the later 3803, but 2874 retains the inside feature...

Having admired the two 28s and the impressive (dare I say it?!) collection of diesel locos, we meandered around the station for a bit before returning to the Flag & Whistle. John described it as, "grabbin' some snap". Eddie the Late was up to his old tricks again in the shot below. Regular readers will know of his lust for the epic and hideous 'Three Course Challenges'. As he couldn't piece together a full meal today, he had to settle for the equally fattening 'Three Cake Challenge'...

John, not content with having the cake and eating it, also ordered a sizeable luncheon. When it arrived the presentation was impressive, though the countless dressings were soon scattered all over the floor in a 3ft radius of the table!...

Refuelled after tea & cake, we waded out of the café through the dropped grated cheese to reach the platforms. 7820 "Dinmore Manor" had just arrived from Cheltenham Racecourse and was about to take water at the tower...

Freshly watered, the Manor steamed away to move back into the occupied platform to recouple to her stock for a later departure. In the car park, Toddington's up and coming steam star was on display. 35006 is a rebuilt Bullied Merchant Navy Class Pacific, built in 1941 for the Southern Railway. A big engine at 151 tons, 35006's name is equally as big: "Peninsular & Oriental S.N.Co". Withdrawn in 1964 and sent to Barry, 35006 was rescued in 1983 and the restoration process soon began. The pacific is now coming towards the end of its total rebuild and I believe is expected to be in service by the end of this year. These Merchant Navy's are quite a beast...

Having admired the bulk of 35006, there was time for a last shot of 7820 waiting patiently to drop down onto her train...

All in all a very pleasant little visit to the wonderful GWSR. This railway has really come on leaps and bounds in the last few years and is set to go from strength to strength, with the extension to Broadway already in more than full swing. Now? Off to Evesham!...

Shackerstone: The Sunday Report...

Hi all. Here is todays report from my visit to Shackerstone. Today was only brief for me as its Mothers Day and getting out at all sometimes proves an issue on this annual event. I was at the railway from 10am until 1pm before returning home for dinner. Upon my arrival, the Prairie was stood outside the shed. The Epping Ongar's 4141 was being readied to take up her place at the head of the first Battlefield Line steam service of 2015. The engine looked smart as she stood on the dock road showing off her BR lined green livery...

4141 left the shed on time, though departed slightly late with the 11am train. With the dock road clear, the Class 02 shunter was drafted in for a spot of shunting. The old Shell tank wagon was dragged from the side of the shed and prepared for steam cleaning. This is the next project for the team who've just done up the 02, to return the wagon to its Shell colours. It always used to be used on Thomas days: back when we used to do them: but now its Tidmouth Milk colours are redundant. Here, the team chew the fat whilst milking (get it?!) the task of washing the wagon...

My job today involved further work on 3803, whilst 4141 steamed up and down the line outside. 3803 is now nearing her deadline so it won't be long before she is out & about. Further down the shed stood "Sir Gomer". "Gomer" is now waiting for the boiler man to come and do her dry exam before she is reboxed and steam tested for him...

A few paces down from "Gomer" stands another Peckett: Dunlop No7. At the minute, No7 is progressing well and changes by the week. I doubt it'll be long before this little W7 is moving under her own steam again...

The boiler for No7 is really coming along. The tubes are here for her and the 300-odd stays are almost all done. I was told that only 10 need to be done now...

The stays on the firebox are now being calked. The calking process involves basically jack hammering the head of the stay down using a curved tool. The tool turns the remaining threaded end of the stay into a rivet-style head, thus forming a seal against the outer firebox. On many boilers, this process is used inside the box as well, but on some engines nuts are used. The area around the stay near the inner firebox side-sheet is secured and sealed, whilst the nut is used to prevent the stay burning away. Here we see the calked stays of the outer firebox on the fireman's side...

Finally and, unusually in this report, we see "Richard III". "Richard III" hasn't really progressed in the last few years due to time and the work on the other engines. The boiler sits off the frames in a semi-dismantled condition away from the engine, whilst the frames are in the shed just behind No7. The bits are there to sort the engine out, though she does require a lot of work. A powerful RSH 0-6-0 and former shedmate to Nechells No4: which we saw the other week at Chasewater: "Richard" was the engine that worked the first passenger train to Shenton two decades ago. For now, she lies in wait...

Well, that's it for the report guys. I left the railway at 1pm and started the 15-mile run home for dinner. Unfortunately, we have to end this post with some sad news. On Thursday evening the former Shed Cat come Railway Cat passed away after a short illness. She had more alias' than 007 but was commonly known as 'Morris' by all of us at the shed. 'Morris' I hear you say? Well, to be honest, nobody really knew why...

'Morris' came to the railway at least 5 years ago after moving home from a local farm. She became a familiar sight around the railway and befriended the late former owner of the B1 "Mayflower": Gerald. Wherever there was Gerald, there was often the cat. The cat even had a bed on "Mayflower"s cab steps, just above the heaters which would work through the night to protect her expensive injectors through the winter. The cat later took up residence on top of the hot-cupboard in the workshop. 1306 departed for good not long after Gerald's passing, though the cat remained a fixture at the shed and we even installed a cat flap. During the running season she would be fed by probably three or four locations during the day, and would meander around the railway attempting to avoid the public, though she was always friendly and calm when she did come into contact with them.

 

In a strange sort of a way, it was company to know that the cat was there when you arrived at the dark railway gates at 5:30am in the morning. Leaving your car, you wouldn't make it many paces before a dark whimpering figure made every attempt to knock you over! She would then wolf down a good packet of food before looking at you expectantly for another! She was no stranger to locomotives and managed to keep herself safe around the railway for over half a decade. On one occasion she fell asleep in the visiting Beavertail Saloon and enjoyed an impromptu return trip to Shenton and back behind 1306, much to her bewilderment! Allas, now unfortunately the time has come to say goodbye to another of the railways regular fixtures; such a shame. Goodbye cat: I'll miss you on those winter mornings, Sam...

A French Connection at Statfold Barn...

Hi all. Today was another training day at Statfold Barn Railway: the delightful 2ft/2ft 6" gauge private line, over at Tamworth. I arrived at 7am after the traditional McDonalds stop. I don't know what the McDonalds staff must think when they see the traditional railway overalls; probably that I'm on my way to some kind of dawn has broken fancy dress party. Once on the SBR site I met up with other crews before we were briefed for the day. There have been even more developments at Statfold since our last run in October, and therefore we had to be trained. One locomotive was in steam: the wonderful Corpet Pannier Tank. This 1884-built 0-6-0 is a true railway relic, with origins in Paris. Having worked in a Spanish gold mine of all places (the Minas de Aller) the engine was restored at Statfold following import. It is the only one of its type in the country. It later transpired that I would be crewing the Corpet with Statfold Employee Will. The job today would involve just simply running trains: "we can do that!". The Corpet would be doing turn and turn about with the 2ft 6" gauge Hudswell diesel "Badger": an unbelievably loud contraption of a thing. By about 9:30am, the first train was ready to leave and so I made up the fire on the Corpet...

The elderly Pannier has no dampers and so you have to be on the ball with the fire on this one to prevent constant blowing off. The Brown valve geared engine steamed out of Station Jnc station easily with a 4-coach train. After a very pleasant run we returned to Statfold to hand over the stock to "Badger". The noisy internal combustion thingy then took the stock for a trip before we took over again. This time, I was driving. The Corpet is unusual in that the regulator is outside the front cab sheet, meaning that you have to reach around. It does have a very pleasant screw reverser though which sets the gear up perfectly. Pulling away, you can notch her up and just keep a breath on. Don't be fooled by her elderly appearance: she is a very strong engine! Once clear of the station mouth and around the first corner you can open her up and, without argument, she's away. Coasting is done in full forward but running along at about 35% with the regulator just open she'll do the job with ease. When you hit a bank, the bark turns into a roar: its a hell of a thing and she's steams brilliantly. For our third & final trip, I was firing again and Will put the Corpet through its paces to provide a brilliant performance. Its a lovely old machine that. I don't think she's the prettiest of engines but certainly the design is strong, easy to oil up and reliable. Myself and Will, naturally, had a good laugh pretending to be Driver Le Boosh and Fireman Le Beech. The typical French accents were rife on the footplate! The Corpet?..."ce magnifique"!

After a very enjoyable morning & early afternoon at Statfold I had completed my training and am now ready for the March 28th private Open Day. I left the SBR at about 2:30pm and joined the A444 for home. However, as is often the way, knowledge of other local goings on moved my route ever so slightly. Destination?: Shackerstone. I thought I'd nip in to drop a few leaflets for MTEW off to a few lads in the Museum, and to have a cuppa' with Jason, who was doing the FTR on the recently arrived 4141...

4141 is our gala visitor and, weighing in at over 70 tons, is quite a tank engine. These 41XX type Large Prairies were both powerful and quick and I think we're all looking forward to seeing what it can do. It'll have to go some way to beat 5542 though. All the best guys, Sam...

Shack Sunday...

Hi everyone. A short & sweet post from today. I was at Shackerstone from 9am until 4pm and had a pleasant day working away on 3803. The 2884-class 2-8-0 is now coming along very nicely and it is now only three weeks until the gala weekend where she will make her BR Black debut. Other work in the shed today included stay corking for Dunlop No7. After the gala, I'll post the 3803 progress pictures! Cheers all, Sam...

00 Gauge In The Garden...

Hi all. This week the garden railway has had one or two runs. The 00 gauge tracks have been rumbling to the wheels of various locomotives and carriage sets, as well as the odd freight working. Earlier in the week I was finishing off the wiring to the track, with 4 power points now completed. The addition of the fourth power point has made trains run smoothly over the tracks once again, and the wiring for features such as the turntable is next on my list. Ripping out all of the old wiring has certainly made it easier to reroute the new wires, and has tidied up the flowerbeds somewhat too. Here, one of the shunters used for moving stock around the shed fiddle yard is out & about on a P-Way train working...

With the track now operating smoothly, locomotives can have a good run once again. Certain locomotives in the fleet haven't even been tested yet since their arrival, due to the track being out of use. One of these examples is my mint condition Mainline Railways Collett Goods 0-6-0. This was a gift a year or so ago and had yet to take to the rails until this week...

The Collett got on well with some freight wagons and was even spotted on a short passenger train. I do like the old Mainline Railways stuff: it wasn't as detailed but it was certainly durable and powerful. Another previous non-runner was the LMS Patriot "E C Trench". This Hornby 4-6-0 arrived a good year ago and had had yet to take to the tracks. Later in the week, it is seen below hauling a train of LMS coaches along the straight towards the turntable junction...

The Patriot completed its test runs during a running session held this afternoon. Below, another Mainline Railways engine: my 53XX GW Mogul: is seen climbing the bank with Great Western stock...

Last but not least is another shot from Friday. This is my much-loved and reliable Hornby Battle of Britain Class Pacific No34051 "Winston Churchill". This engine has been in the collection for a good few years now and always ran well. They make for a heavy and durable model in 00 gauge...

So there we have it, the garden railway has returned! I am hoping that the 00 gauge metals of the old SSR will see a good few more trains this year as it is in fact 10 years since it was first built: time has flown! As usual I'm sure updates of the garden line will appear on this blog as they happen. Who knows what'll happen. All the best, Sam...

Busy Times at Shack Loco...

Hi everyone. After an enjoyable visit to Chasewater yesterday for their Winter Gala, it was back to normal at Shackerstone today for our Sunday shed working. During the week, the railways Peckett 0-6-0ST "Sir Gomer" had been shunted around to result in her being over the inspection pit. The loco is currently awaiting her annual re-ticket and thus work was carried out to that end today. During the test period, the inspector of a steam boiler will do a dry exam and a steam exam. For this to take place the various plugs and lids around the engine will have to be removed and the boiler will also be washed out if required. "SG" hasn't done a great deal of steamings since her last washout but it was decided to do the job anyway just to be safe. The backhead plugs are seen here removed, as well as both of the corner plugs located lower down...

When talking about steam boilers references may be made to a mud-door or a mudlid. The mudlids are basically larger inspection blanks used to seal inspection holes. A mudlid itself is made to fit inside the mudhole but obviously not to come out. They often go in at an angle and a machined section will have been made so that it fits snugly into the mudhole. There is then a threaded section which then takes the clamp (known as the 'bridge') and a washer followed by a large nut. The machined section of the lid often takes a seal, known as a 'pilot seal', which is there to take up any undulations (no matter how slight) in the plate work or the lid, thus sealing it against steam pressure. "Gomer"s boiler contains 10 mudlids I believe, plus all of the plugs, though other boilers will probably contain more. The fireman's side mudlid can be seen here with the old seal removed...

Here is a quick snap inside "Sir Gomer"s smokebox during the washout. In this shot we can see the two main steam pipes coming down from the header. (The loco is not superheated). The blower ring can be seen making its way in from the right and the blast pipe is duly central. The array of tubes in the background can be clearly seen and the pipe making its way in from the left and angling itself towards the petticoat is the ejector feed from the vacuum system. There are plugs in the smokebox to remove too...

Here we see the selection of plugs and lids removed from "Gomer". All of them will be lightly cleaned of any muck or grime and then refitted when required. All of the mudlids will have brand new seals of course...

I had the hideous job of removing the fusible plugs from the firebox crown. Swinging spanners inside 1859's little box is nothing short of cramp inducing! I tell you what, I got absolutely filthy. There was soot everywhere that soot could be. "Sir Gomer" then enjoyed a good old washout. For those not in the know, a washout is exactly what it sounds like: the boiler is washed out so as to remove any sediment that leaves the boiled water during steamings. In a particularly hard-water area such as ours, washouts are vital for the long term health of the boilers. The engines are treated each time they steam but this doesn't necessarily mean that a washout is not required. The treatment often encourages the sediment (some call it limescale) to stick to it rather than the materials of the boiler. Therefore, during a washout, the whole lot comes out in a kind of brown sludge, pouring from the recently opened mudholes. Todays washout was a fairly clean one for "Sir Gomer", showing her lack of use in recent months. However, the job was still worth doing and got rid of some potentially harmful muck. The boiler will then dry and been inspected dry before being put back together (known as boxing up) before being steamed. We're sure she'll pass with flying colours.

Well, that's one Peckett...what about Dunlop No7? Well...

No7 is enjoying her new stays and more are being fitted every time I see the boiler. Some 300 stays are gradually making their way into the new firebox...

Looking into the firebox we can see the new firebox material and the new stays poking through ready for nutting...

The stays on the outside of the boiler will be corked (or peened over if you like) until a seal is made, as per standard practise. These are the throatplate stays...

"Not To Be Moved", ay? Well, not for much longer we hope!...

Elsewhere in the shed, GWR 3803 is changing by the week. I look forward to displaying some photos of her once the gala weekend of March 28th/29th finally arrives! Outside the shed the cutting is receiving some P-Way work. Some of the track has been lifted and the drains are being redone by contractors. The trackbed will then be dug back, a new base put down and fresh ballast added before the track goes back. A good job well on the way... 

I was at the railway from 11am until around 5pm today and felt a good, productive day was had by all. Thank you all for reading and good evening :) All the best, Sam...